BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Mayor Miro Weinberger says direct flights to North Carolina from the Burlington International Airport are going to begin later this year.

Weinberger joined other state and local officials to announce the new flight by US Airways Express between Burlington and Charlotte Douglas International Airport will begin Aug. 18 with the arrival of the first flight. The first departure will be the next morning.

In announcing the flight, Weinberger said it marks another important step for both the airport and the region’s economy.